Healthy No-Bake Taffy Apple Protein Balls Recipe
Makes: 15 Servings
Per Serving: 8g Protein | 95 Cal
I don’t know about you, but I’m always on the hunt for healthy and filling, protein-packed snacks that I can bring with me on the go. Whether it’s a quick bit of fuel for a workout, recovery after one, or something to keep my energy up between clients, computer work, and other tasks, I like to keep snacks on hand to make sure that I have something healthy to reach for when I start to get hungry.
But just because I love a healthy snack doesn’t mean that I want my options to be boring. I still want something seasonal and fun from time to time and that’s where these Taffy Apple protein balls come into play. If you love caramel apples, you have to give these a try. Sweet, chewy, crunchy, and made in minutes, you’re going to come back to this recipe again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Protein Balls Recipe
Ready in just a few minutes: You can mix up an entire batch of these protein balls in about 15 minutes. There’s no cooking or baking required. All you need to do is stir everything together, roll the balls, and pop them in the fridge to chill. Easy-peasy.
Packed with protein: This recipe is a protein powerhouse thanks to the addition of protein powder, PB2, and peanuts. Each protein ball contains 8 grams of protein.
Sweet and memorable flavors: These protein balls are like a better-for-you version of caramel apples, so they’re a satisfying snack that will nourish your soul as well as your body.
Portable and easy to take on the go: Protein balls are one of the ultimate on-the-go snacks. Great for a lunch box, gym bag, snack drawer, or anywhere you need a quick hit of energy.
Ingredients
1 cup protein powder (Casein or plant protein works best for texture, but whey vanilla protein powder also does the job)
¾ cup rolled oats (I like Bob’s Red Mill)
¼ cup PB2
3-4 tablespoons of maple syrup, honey, or another liquid sweetener
2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
¼ cup chopped peanuts
½ Granny Smith apple, diced small
Optional applesauce, if the mixture feels too dry
Pinch of salt + ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon.
Date syrup (for drizzling)
Instructions
Mix up the base: Add the protein powder, oats, PB2, salt, and ground cinnamon to a large bowl. Stir well to combine.
Add the wet ingredients: Drizzle in the maple syrup or honey and creamy peanut butter and stir again until everything is evenly distributed.
Add the extras: Add the chopped peanuts and diced apple and stir. If the mixture seems too dry, add a little bit of applesauce until it comes together.
Roll the protein balls: Roll the mixture into roughly 15 bite-sized protein balls or use a cookie scoop to shape the balls. Place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
Chill the protein balls: Place the protein balls in the fridge until they’re firm. When you’re ready to eat them, drizzle each one with a little bit of date syrup for a nod to the treat’s caramel coating. Enjoy!
Nutrition Breakdown (Per Ball - Makes 15 Balls)
Calories: 95
Protein: 8g
Carbs: 10g
Fat: 3g
Energy Balls Storage Tips
In the fridge: Store these peanut butter protein balls in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If you’d like, you can separate the layers of protein balls with sheets of parchment paper.
In the freezer: If you want to store them longer, you can place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat them, pull them out of the freezer and let them thaw for about 10 minutes before digging in.
Swaps & Substitutions
Make them nut-free: Instead of the peanut butter, substitute sunflower seed butter. Use seed butter instead of PB2, and leave the peanuts out of the equation. This will, of course, change the nutrition info!
Add creative add-ins: Add mini dark chocolate chips or coconut flakes to the protein ball mixture or drizzle the top of each one with a bit of melted white chocolate.
Add extra crunch: Add some crispy rice cereal in place of some of the oats for even more texture. You could also add some chia seeds or ground flax seeds for extra nutrition.
Switch up the fruit: Instead of using fresh apples, try making these protein balls using chopped dried apples, dried cranberries, or even dried cherries.
FAQs
-
You sure can! I prefer the results when using casein or plant-based protein, but if you only have whey protein at home, that’s totally fine to use.
-
No, you can leave the peel on the apple. It’ll add a little extra fiber and color to your protein balls. Just make sure you dice the apple small enough so that the protein balls hold together well.
-
If the protein ball mixture feels too sticky to work with, add a little oat flour, extra oats, or extra protein powder until it gets to the right consistency.
-
If you need to add some extra moisture, add a dollop of applesauce or a splash of almond milk. Mix together again and check on the texture. If it still needs more, go slowly, but add extra moisture until the mixture is something you can work with.
I absolutely can’t get enough of these No-Bake Taffy Apple Protein Balls. They’re sweet, tart, nutty, and full of the protein, healthy fats, and fiber I need to fuel and nourish my body. Whether you’re looking for a pre-workout bite, after-dinner treat, or easy snacks any time of the day, you’ll want to make sure to have a batch of these in the fridge.
Taffy Apple Protein Balls
These no-bake protein balls are the perfect thing to keep on hand for delicious snacks, pre-workout bites, or after-dinner treats. You’re going to love them!
Ingredients
- 1 cup protein powder (Casein or plant protein works best for texture, but whey vanilla protein powder also does the job)
- ¾ cup rolled oats (I like Bob’s Red Mill)
- ¼ cup PB2
- 3-4 tablespoons of maple syrup, honey, or another liquid sweetener
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts
- ½ Granny Smith apple, diced small
- Optional applesauce, if the mixture feels too dry
- Pinch of salt + ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon.
- Date syrup (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Mix up the base: Add the protein powder, oats, PB2, salt, and ground cinnamon to a large bowl. Stir well to combine.
- Add the wet ingredients: Drizzle in the maple syrup or honey and creamy peanut butter and stir again until everything is evenly distributed.
- Add the extras: Add the chopped peanuts and diced apple and stir. If the mixture seems too dry, add a little bit of applesauce until it comes together.
- Roll the protein balls: Roll the mixture into roughly 15 bite-sized protein balls or use a cookie scoop to shape the balls. Place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- Chill the protein balls: Place the protein balls in the fridge until they’re firm. When you’re ready to eat them, drizzle each one with a little bit of date syrup for a nod to the treat’s caramel coating. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories
95Fat
3 gCarbs
10 gProtein
8 g